"I won't send you far."
"Sorry to bother you." Zhang Yi bowed in return. When he finished the ceremony and looked up, Qu Yuan had already walked out of the hall with his sleeves fluttering.
After Qu Yuan left, the waiter who was standing aside stepped forward to greet Zhang Yi and said, "Prime Minister Qin, please!"
"please."
After walking out of Zuo Tu's mansion, which has a very wide enclosure. Zhang Yi couldn't help but look back and glance at the characters "Chu" carved on the high gate.
'Chu State, Qu Yuan, hey. Zhang Yi cursed in her heart.
Sitting in the carriage, his expression suddenly changed. "well."
Qu Yuan's hostility towards Qin was so deep that inducements and coercions were of no use now. The most important thing is that King Chu's attitude towards Qin and the three Jins was also wavering.
The king was uncertain. Since then, Zuo Tu, who was in charge of diplomatic relations, had become an important bargaining chip between Qin and Jin.
'Is it really necessary to return the land of Shang Yu to the State of Chu? 'Zhang Yi couldn't help but think.
At present, this is the only bargaining chip that Qin can exchange at this time.
But, this is obviously impossible.
Ying Si said when he came to Chu: His own son is the hostage, and the clan and treasury can be taken from him, but he must not give up an inch of this land. What's more, Shang Yu is a military powerhouse like this. Allowing merchants to sell was tantamount to opening the southern gate of Qin to Chu.
This left disciple Qu Yuan seems to be difficult to deal with...
It seems that Prime Minister Qin has not encountered such an embarrassing situation for a long time.
The guards rushing outside the carriage saw that Xiangbang had been silent since he entered the carriage. I couldn't help but ask aloud: "Xiangbang, are you going home?"
Zhang Yi didn't answer for a while. He was still worried about how to bring Chu to his side.
After thinking carefully for a moment, Zhang Yi gritted his teeth and replied to the outside of the car: "You sent someone to pay a visit to Ling Yin's mansion and asked Zhang Yi to see you."
"Here!"
…
Yingdu, Ling Yin Mansion.
By the faint candlelight, Zhaoyang squinted and examined the thick stack of memorials on the table.
There are both political and military affairs in the brief books, but most of them are related to the conquests between Qin and the Three Jin Dynasties.
The Qin State was defeated in Jinyang, and now it refuses to retreat and has broken its trust in the world.
Regarding Qin, Zhaoyang was happy to add insult to injury. But he has always maintained a cautious attitude towards Wei and South Korea.
Of course, the caution towards Wei and Han was not due to the conquest between Chu and the two countries. After all, as early as the period of King Su of Chu, the war between Chu and the two countries was overwhelming.
What worries him now is the State of Zhao, to be precise, the three Jin states headed by Zhao State.
Something has been wrong with Wei, Zhao, and Han in the past two years. Although there have been coordinated operations among the three countries in the past, they have always been harmonious but inconsistent.
Looking back at today, it seems that the three countries have once again entered a diplomatic 'honeymoon period', just like when Wei Guo Wenhou was in power in the past.
It's just that the leader was changed from Wei to Zhao.
Especially the Battle of Jinyang launched by Qin State against Zhao State a few years ago, the result of which shocked the whole of China. After all, the fear of the countries being dominated by the Three Jins is still vivid.
Since the Battle of Jinyang, Zhaoyang has begun to pay close attention to the movements of the three Jins, especially the young King Zhao!
However, after all, the borders between Chu and Zhao are thousands of miles apart, so there should not be any major military conflict between the two countries for a while.
However, this time Wei Guo invited He Zong again, which made Zhaoyang keenly smell a hint of crisis. The crisis for itself is also a crisis for Chu State.
After all, Qu Yuan was still too young. They all focused their attention on Qin and ignored the dangers from the left and right.
"Hey." Zhaoyang exhaled a breath and tightened his robe tightly.
The nights in Lingdu are still a bit cold in March. Zhaoyang couldn't help feeling that his body was no longer as strong as it was when he was young. '
At this time, a handsome young man in his early twenties walked gently outside the door. His face looked somewhat similar to Zhaoyang's. When the young man entered the house, he bowed to his superior and said, "Father, Prime Minister Qin is asking for an audience outside the house."
"Oh?" Zhaoyang put down the brief note in his hand.
Zhao Hua bowed and handed a piece of bamboo slip to his father.
Zhaoyang took the bamboo instrument and threw it on the table without looking at it. Instead, he joked to his son: "This instrument seems to have been frustrated by Zuo Tu."
"Your Excellency, you know things like a god. As soon as Qin Xiang left the Zuotu Mansion, he came to pay homage to your Excellency. It must be to lobby for peace alliance." Zhao Hua said respectfully.
"Please come in, Prime Minister Qin. Maybe we haven't seen our old friend for a long time." Zhaoyang stood up and walked towards the outer hall.
A quarter of an hour later, Zhang Yi stood in front of Zhaoyang with a smile on his face, bowed and said: "Zhang Yi pays homage to Ling Yin."
"Long time no see, Prime Minister Qin is still as charming as ever. Please." Zhaoyang also smiled and introduced him to the side seats.
"Don't dare. If Ling Yin hadn't taken him in, Zhang Yi would have been so embarrassed that we wouldn't be able to get together today." Zhang Yi said with a smile.
"Prime Minister Qin doesn't complain about the pain of the whipping anymore?" Zhaoyang said in a playful tone.
"How dare you? Without Ling Yin's whipping in the past, Zhang Yi would not be what he is today." Zhang Yi stood up and bowed respectfully towards Zhaoyang: "Thank you Ling Yin."
Zhaoyang waved his hand: "It doesn't matter. I am very happy that Prime Minister Qin is here today. But I am afraid that Prime Minister Qin's visit to me today is not just to reminisce about the past."
Zhang Yi chuckled and said, "Zhang Yi came here just to discuss with Ling Yin the alliance between Qin and Chu."
"Oh? Doesn't Prime Minister Qin not know that it is Zuo Tu who is responsible for diplomatic relations with Chu State? Prime Minister Qin should go to Zuo Tu for discussion. Why are you here?" Zhao Yang said calmly.
"Zhang Yi has already paid homage to his left disciple Qu Yuan. However, he acted arrogantly and refused to discuss with Yi. Zhang Yi had no choice but to bother Ling Yin." Zhang Yi said frankly without hiding anything.
"Zuo Tu has always had this temper. Prime Minister Qin needs to take more care of him." Zhaoyang said with a smile.
"What Ling Yin said is wrong. No one in the Chu Kingdom knows that Ling Yin is the hero, important minister, and the mainstay of the country. Now Ling Yin's position is gradually replaced by Qu Yuan. Zhang Yi really can't stand it. Zhang Yi Although he is the Prime Minister of Qin today, he was once a disciple of Ling Yin in the past, and now Zhang Yi is willing to do something for Ling Yin." Zhang Yi changed the subject.
"Oh? How can Prime Minister Qin help me?" Zhaoyang asked pretending to be serious.
"The State of Qin would like to inform the King of Chu and persuade him to change the candidate for diplomatic relations. Zhang Yi can handle this matter as soon as he returns to the State of Qin. In addition, Zhang Yi is willing to travel among the Chu clans for Ling Yin and help Ling Yin regain power. "Zhang Yi replied immediately.
Zhaoyang heard the other party's words and didn't reply for a while.
He did not expect that the Qin State could penetrate the Chu State's government to such an extent. Zhaoyang didn't know whether Zhang Yi could do it, but what Zhang Yi said was the truth.
Zhaoyang's current status is indeed a bit unstable. Although he still served as Ling Yin and Shangzhu Guo at this time, his rights in the army had been assigned by the King of Chu to the Qu, Jing, Jin and other clans. The intention of the King of Chu was obvious, which was to follow the example of other countries in the Central Plains and divide the power of the generals and ministers.
"Shura Martial God"
This is also an important reason why Zhaoyang has been supporting other clans in recent years. In doing so, he is also paving the way for himself. Qu Yuan is just one of them.
Zhaoyang thought carefully for a moment, stared at Zhang Yi and said: "What Prime Minister Qin is doing is interfering in the internal affairs of Chu State. Isn't Prime Minister Qin afraid of causing trouble?"
"Zhang Yi doesn't dare. Zhang Yi only thinks about Ling Yin and has no other intentions." Zhang Yi said with a smile.
"Hey, you are provoking Chu Ting and driving a wedge between Qu Yuan and me. But you said you have no other intention?" Zhaoyang said disdainfully.
"I really don't mean anything else..."
Zhaoyang stretched out his hand and interrupted: "Okay, please shut up for now. Qu Yuan is my disciple, and I know his character. Qu Yuan holds great power today because of my king's trust in him and the strong recommendation of all the ministers. He Is it possible for you to change your power and authority as you wish?"
Naturally, Zhang Yi's thoughts couldn't be hidden from Zhaoyang, who had grown old and matured. Although the other party did mention his pain points. But he is Zhaoyang, the Shangzhu State of the Chu State. Even if he wants to fight for power and profit, it is still an internal struggle within the Chu State, and he, the Prime Minister of Qin, cannot dictate.
Zhang Yi said in a faint tone: "Ling Yin, have you ever thought about it? Qu Yuan is the Qu family. One day, when Qu Yuan's wings harden, I'm afraid he won't recognize Ling Yin as his husband."
"Humph, I won't bother Prime Minister Qin with this matter!" Zhaoyang said in a displeased tone.
Zhang Yi's expression changed slightly, he stood up and said, "Zhang Yi is too troubled. It's just about the alliance..."
"Prime Minister Qin can just discuss it with Zuo Tu."
…
After sending Zhang Yi away, Zhaoyang was about to get up and rest.
At this time, another waiter came outside the door and reported: "Your Majesty, I would like to see you."
Zhaoyang smiled and shook his head, then sat back on the cave and said, "Invite him in."
"Here."
After a while, Qu Yuan strode into the outer hall: "Qu Yuan, meet sir."
Zhaoyang pointed to the door and said with a smile: "It's getting so late, why would Zuo Tu come to disturb me?"
Qu Yuan replied honestly: "I heard that the Prime Minister of Qin came to Sir's house and talked about the alliance with Qin. Qu Yuan could not sleep, so he came to ask Sir for advice."
"Hahahahahaha, Zuo Tu is coming so hard. It doesn't look like he's asking for advice. I think he's here to ask for guilt." Zhaoyang said with a smile.
"Please sir, stop teasing me."
"Sit down first." Zhaoyang pointed to the side seat and said. "Do you want to ask, have I agreed to an alliance with Qin?"
"Exactly."
"Look, is there still Prime Minister Qin in my house?" Zhaoyang sighed: "It seems that you have forgotten all the teachings I gave you."
"Qu Yuan didn't dare..."
Zhaoyang waved his hand.
My disciple is good at everything, but he is too upright. Black is black and white is white. Just like when he was young, he thought the world was black and white.
But the world of black and white is just a trick used by those in power to fool the common people at the bottom. For example, laws can never restrict rights.
"Qu Yuan, you have to remember. What's on your mind can't be kept on the surface, and the same goes for diplomatic relations. If you act unforgettable, your face should also be calm."
"Thank you sir for your hard teachings, Qu Yuan will definitely remember them in my heart." Qu Yuan bowed deeply to Zhaoyang. He knew that he had wrongly blamed the teacher.
"I am very pleased that you can say flattering words. Please step back." Zhaoyang said tiredly.
"Sir, please rest early and I will resign."
…
…
Gongsun Yan had just rushed to Yingdu, and he went to see his left disciple Qu Yuan without stopping.
When he first entered Chu Land two days ago, he heard that Zhang Yi had arrived in Yingdu ahead of him.
He was worried these days, fearing that King Chu would be threatened by Qin and refuse to join forces with him.
Qi has been abandoned. If Chu falls to Qin again, the unity he advocates this time will completely fall apart.
The four kingdoms of Wei, Zhao, Han, and Yan may not be able to defeat the three great powers of Qin, Qi, and Chu.
Gongsun Yan kept pacing on the spot, with a look of anxiety on his face.
At this time, a chamberlain came out of the government office, bowed to Gongsun Yan and said, "Wei envoy, I have a request from my left disciple."
Gongsun Yan's eyes lit up with joy, and he quickly walked towards the inner courtyard with the servant.
... Qu Yuan had already been waiting in the outer hall at this time. At this time, he heard footsteps coming from the corridor and hurriedly stepped forward to greet them.
"Gongsun Yan, meet Zuo Tu."
Qu Yuan hurriedly stepped forward to help him and said, "Sir, you must not do this. Qu Yuan's descendants will not dare to accept Sir's courtesy."
If we talk about the people that Qu Yuan admired, among the countries, they were only Su Qin, Lord of Wu'an of Zhao State, and Gongsun Yan, the rhinoceros leader of Wei State.
"I have heard of Mr. Sir's name for a long time, and I am honored to meet you today." Qu Yuan bowed respectfully.
"Hahahahaha, Qu Yuan is a straightforward person." Gongsun Yan laughed.
"Hahahahahaha, sir, please." Qu Yuan said forward.
"please."
The two of them sat down in order of priority. Gongsun Yan was the first to speak: "When I first entered the capital of Ying, I saw people in Chu everywhere praising Zuo Tu's new work, Ju Fu. Zuo Tu is really a great talent."
Qu Yuan quickly waved his hand and said: "Ci Fu is just a small talent. What Qu Yuan looks up to is a vertical and horizontal talent like Mr."
"Sir, did you enter Chu to join forces?"
"Exactly, I originally wanted to unite the power of the six countries to defeat the Qin Dynasty, but the changes in Qi State made me at a loss, and now I am here to seek help from Zuo Tu." Gongsun Yan said truthfully.
"Oh? Now that the alliance has become a trend, what advantage does Qi have?" Qu Yuan was a little puzzled.
"What Zuo Tu doesn't know is that Qi State has recently stationed troops on the border of Yan and Zhao. Yan State and Zhao State are worried that Qi State will take advantage of the situation to cause chaos. The two countries have now mobilized troops on the border and want to divide their troops at the Qi State border." Gongsun Yan sighed. .
Qu Yuan immediately asked: "How can the Chu State help to relieve Sir's worries?"
"Promise to join forces and send troops to the border as soon as possible! In this way, Qi will not dare to act rashly. Now the only country that can compete with Qin and Qi head-on is Chu." Gongsun Yan complimented.
Qu Yuan was silent for a moment and listened to the other party's words. It seemed that He Zong not only wanted to attack Qin, but also wanted to attack Qi.
If we attack Qi... "If we divide our forces to attack Qi, Chu will not help."
Gongsun Yan shook his head lightly and said: "The purpose of uniting all the countries is to attack Qin. But Zuo Tu, please take a look." Gongsun Yan said, unfolding the map in his hand: "If we unite to form a strong force, the troops of the five countries can attack Qin in the west and attack Qin in the east." We can attack Qi. Qi will definitely be afraid! As far as we know, Qi has made an agreement with Qin. If we don't separate our troops to defend it, Qi may become a disaster to other countries."
Qu Yuan nodded, thinking of what Zhaoyang said to him yesterday.
Chu's opponent has always been more than one Qin.
"The State of Chu should follow Sir's lead and follow suit."
